Patents by Inventor Michael L Gumm

Michael L Gumm has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8372226
    Abstract: The present invention is for a system and method of creating a continuous, seamless, waterproof, weatherproof, electrically generating surface that can be applied over a great variety of structural components. The method comprises coating the selected surface with a base elastomeric coating thus sealing holes, cracks and other surface imperfections. In one embodiment, the base elastomeric coating is allowed to dry and at least one photovoltaic module is placed on the base elastomeric coating by using another coat of elastomeric material applied to the underside surface of the photovoltaic module or on the surface of the base elastomeric coating where the photovoltaic module will be applied. Another layer of an elastomeric coating is applied covering the perimeter edges of the photovoltaic module creating a continuous, seamless, waterproof, weatherproof surface capable of generating electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Michael L Gumm
  • Publication number: 20110132353
    Abstract: A transportable multi-configurable self-ballasted modular solar power unit has a support frame and a solar module frame hingedly connected to it. A plurality of solar modules are mounted on the solar module frame and a selected angle is chosen to increase the efficiency of the solar modules. Support arms are used to keep the solar module frame at the selected angle. Four trailer jacks are attached to the perimeter of the support frame and are used to raise and lower the unit. The unit is raised and set on a trailer or a wheel assembly is attached. The unit can then be transported to the selected installation site. Once at the site, the trailer jacks are raised until the trailer can be rolled out from under it. The trailer jacks can be adjusted individually if the surface is not level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: SunPOD,S INC.
    Inventors: Michael L. Gumm, Daniel Jaeger
  • Publication number: 20100126651
    Abstract: The present invention is for a system and method of creating a continuous, seamless, waterproof, weatherproof, electrically generating surface that can be applied over a great variety of structural components. The method comprises coating the selected surface with a base elastomeric coating thus sealing holes, cracks and other surface imperfections. In one embodiment, the base elastomeric coating is allowed to dry and at least one photovoltaic module is placed on the base elastomeric coating by using another coat of elastomeric material applied to the underside surface of the photovoltaic module or on the surface of the base elastomeric coating where the photovoltaic module will be applied. Another layer of an elastomeric coating is applied covering the perimeter edges of the photovoltaic module creating a continuous, seamless, waterproof, weatherproof surface capable of generating electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Michael L. Gumm
  • Publication number: 20090320898
    Abstract: A configurable articulated photovoltaic assembly has a plurality of photovoltaic modules hingedly connected to each other to allow the assembly to fold for transportation. The assembly is unfolded at the installation site, positioned and secured in place using adhesives, mechanical fasteners or both. The angle of the solar panels may be adjusted by moving support panels from horizontal to vertical. Once secured, the panels are rigidly held in place and are integrated with the building surface such as a roof or wall. Hinges are bidirectional and include metal, fabric and sliding extension types. Each module is wired and connected to a junction box attached therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Michael L. Gumm
  • Publication number: 20090178703
    Abstract: A configurable articulated photovoltaic assembly comprises a plurality of photovoltaic modules hingedly connected to each other to allow the assembly to fold flat for storage and transportation. In one embodiment, a plurality of base attachment plates are also joined with a riser to provide an assembly that can be articulated and placed at a selected angle to optimize their efficiency. This embodiment forms a triangular assembly in use. In another embodiment, two risers are used to provide a selectable channel that can also be folded flat when not in use. Hinges are bidirectional and include metal, fabric and sliding extension types. Each module is wired and connected to a junction box attached therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: Michael L. Gumm